Graz

🎭 Activities

• Spring Festival – May: This iconic electronic music festival lights up Graz with performances by international DJs and artists. Held in various venues, from underground clubs to open-air stages, it creates a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a highlight for music lovers and night owls seeking unforgettable parties. 

• Long Table of Graz – August: A culinary event where the city center transforms into a massive dining experience featuring dishes from top local chefs. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals and fine wines while seated under the stars in Graz’s historic streets. It’s a celebration of the region’s exceptional food culture. 

• Elevate Festival – March: A festival that combines music, art, and political discourse, bringing innovative thinkers and musicians to the city. It features a mix of electronic performances, art installations, and talks on pressing global issues. Elevate is both a thought-provoking and entertaining event for curious minds. 

• La Strada Street Art Festival – July: This festival fills Graz with acrobats, street performers, and theater acts, transforming the city into an open-air stage. It’s a family-friendly event with captivating shows in parks, streets, and public squares. Visitors are invited to experience art in unexpected and playful ways. 

• Graz Film Festival Diagonale – March: The Diagonale celebrates Austrian cinema with screenings of new films, documentaries, and experimental works. It attracts filmmakers and cinephiles eager to explore the creativity of Austrian filmmakers. The festival provides a platform for emerging talent while honoring cinematic heritage. 

• Graz Autumn Fair – September: A traditional event featuring food stalls, amusement rides, and cultural showcases celebrating Styrian traditions. Families and visitors of all ages can enjoy the lively fair atmosphere. It’s a perfect blend of local heritage and entertainment. 

• Christmas Market – November to December: The Christmas market in Graz offers handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and festive treats across multiple locations, including the main square. The city’s decorations and illuminated ice nativity scene add to the magical holiday ambiance. It’s a heartwarming way to experience Christmas in Austria. 

• Designmonat Graz – May: This month-long design festival highlights Graz’s status as a UNESCO City of Design through exhibitions, workshops, and talks. It celebrates creativity across disciplines like fashion, product design, and architecture. Visitors can engage with cutting-edge design and innovation. 

• Graz Marathon – October: A premier sporting event where participants race through the city’s picturesque streets and landmarks. Both competitive runners and casual participants can join, with routes for different skill levels. Spectators line the streets to cheer on the runners in this energetic event. 

• Murinsel Music Nights – Summer: The unique floating island on the Mur River hosts intimate concerts featuring local and international artists. The scenic backdrop of the river and city lights makes for an unforgettable experience. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy music in a one-of-a-kind venue. 

• Styriarte Festival – June to July: This classical music festival celebrates the Styrian heritage with performances in historic locations. Featuring renowned orchestras and soloists, it highlights works from Baroque to Romantic periods. The festival combines world-class music with Graz’s rich cultural settings. 

• Pumpkin Festival – September: This charming festival celebrates Styrian pumpkins with food stalls, pumpkin carving, and autumn-themed activities. Visitors can taste traditional pumpkin dishes and learn about the region’s agricultural traditions. It’s a wholesome event perfect for families and food lovers. 

🔹 Small Facts

• Historic Old Town: Graz’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city is home to stunning buildings like the Graz Cathedral and the Landhaus, which reflect its historical importance. Walking through the Old Town, visitors can experience a mix of old-world charm and modern flair. 

• Schlossberg Hill and Clock Tower: Schlossberg Hill offers panoramic views of Graz and is home to the iconic Clock Tower, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The hill is accessible by funicular, a historic lift, or by hiking up its scenic paths. The Clock Tower, with its distinct oversized hands, has become a symbol of Graz and its rich history. 

• Cultural Capital of Austria: Graz was designated a UNESCO City of Design in 2009, thanks to its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city hosts numerous cultural events, including the Styriarte festival, showcasing classical music, and the Graz Film Festival. Its dynamic blend of historic and contemporary art makes it a cultural hotspot in Austria. 

• Eggenberg Palace: Eggenberg Palace is a Baroque masterpiece and one of Graz’s most important landmarks. The palace features lavish rooms, impressive gardens, and a fascinating art collection housed within its walls. It is also home to the Universalmuseum Joanneum, showcasing a diverse range of exhibits from art to natural history. 

• Graz University of Technology: Graz is home to the Graz University of Technology, one of Austria’s leading institutions for engineering and technology. Founded in 1811, it has become a key player in the city’s academic and research landscape. The university’s innovative research initiatives contribute significantly to Graz’s status as a hub for technological advancement. 

• Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II: The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II is located next to Graz Cathedral and is a significant Baroque architectural site. It is the final resting place of Ferdinand II, a Holy Roman Emperor, and showcases intricate sculptures and artwork. The mausoleum is an essential part of Graz’s rich religious and imperial history. 

• Graz’s Kunsthaus (Art House): The Kunsthaus Graz is a modern art museum known for its striking architecture and innovative exhibitions. Often referred to as the “Friendly Alien,” its futuristic, bubble-like structure stands in contrast to the city’s historic buildings. The museum hosts contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events, making it a center of modern creativity. 

• St. Martin’s Chapel: St. Martin’s Chapel is one of the oldest buildings in Graz, dating back to the 9th century. It is known for its Romanesque architecture and the beautiful frescoes that adorn its interior. The chapel’s historical significance and its location near the Schlossberg make it a popular site for visitors and locals alike. 

• The Mur River and Mur Island: The Mur River runs through the heart of Graz, adding to the city’s scenic charm. Mur Island, an artificial island on the river, features a modern pavilion that hosts cultural events and performances. The riverbanks are lined with walking paths and parks, offering a peaceful escape within the city. 

• The Graz Opera House: The Graz Opera House is one of Austria’s most prestigious opera venues, known for its grand architecture and excellent acoustics. Opened in 1850, it is home to the Graz Opera Company and hosts a wide range of performances, from opera to ballet. The opera house is a cultural cornerstone of the city and a must-see for visitors. 

• Graz’s Famous Pumpkin Seed Oil: Graz is famous for its pumpkin seed oil, a unique local delicacy made from the seeds of Styrian pumpkins. The oil is often used in salads, soups, and even desserts, offering a distinct, nutty flavor. Graz hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival, celebrating this important regional product with tastings and local food stalls. 

• Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armoury): The Landeszeughaus is the largest historical armory in the world, located in Graz. The museum houses over 30,000 pieces of weaponry, armor, and historical military artifacts. It provides a fascinating look at Graz’s military history and the role the city played in defending the region over the centuries. 

• Glockenspiel (Carillon): The Glockenspiel in Graz is an iconic clock tower located in the center of the city, known for its musical chimes. The carillon plays a daily melody, entertaining passersby with its charming tunes. The clock tower is one of Graz’s most loved public landmarks and adds a whimsical touch to the city’s historical ambiance. 

• Graz’s Culinary Scene: Graz offers a rich culinary scene, with a strong focus on regional specialties like pumpkin seed oil, Styrian wines, and traditional Austrian dishes. The city’s farmers’ markets are filled with fresh produce, cheeses, and meats, highlighting Graz’s commitment to local gastronomy. The food scene blends modern trends with traditional Austrian flavors, making it a food lover’s paradise. 

• The Graz Cathedral: The Graz Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Giles, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest and most significant churches in Austria, featuring intricate stained glass windows and a tall spire. The cathedral is a central part of Graz’s religious life and a must-visit for those interested in the city’s history and architecture.